DURING the ceremony of the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU), President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said he is for stronger relations between the Philippines and China.
Pres. Marcos graced the APPCU 2023, a novel award-giving body that recognizes efforts by individuals in strengthening ties between the Philippines and China.
This year, APPCU awarded six individuals from the public and private sectors after a careful and thorough selection process.
In his speech, pres. Marcos believes that the friendly ties between the Philippines and China will grow stronger amid the current odds over the West Philippine Sea.
“It is my firm belief that our relationship must not be define by our differences, all friends do—-People’s Republic of China,” Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Republic of the Philippines said.
“The Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding is a celebration of exceptional achievements of individuals who have dedicated themselves to promoting understanding and fostering stronger ties between the Philippines and China,” Raul Lambino, Chairman, APPCU said.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Former Special Envoy of the President to the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Carlos Chan, as this year’s APPCU Hall of Fame Awardees.
The awardees in the outstanding contributions category are Ambassador Rigoberto Tiglao, The Manila Times Columnist and Former Ambassador to Greece and Cyprus, Dr. Jaime Cruz, and Former Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China, Trade and Investments.
As for the major contributions category, the awardees are Regina Rosa Tecson, Director of The Satellite Office of the Vice Pres. Sara Duterte in Davao City, and Jose Ong Tajan, Former President of APCU Baguio and Former Chairman of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Baguio City.
Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea represented former Pres. Duterte in receiving the Hall of Fame award.
According to former Sec. Martin Andanar, the independent foreign policy of the Duterte administration did good for the Philippines because we get closer to other countries such as Russia and China.
Meanwhile, former Sen. Nikki Coseteng highlighted the importance of strengthening the ties between the Philippines and China, as Beijing has never brought conflict with its neighboring countries within the region.
Coseteng’s remarks were also echoed by Gov. Manuel Mamba, saying that the Philippine growth will be faster if the country will cooperate with its neighboring countries and will not interfere with any force outside the region.
This 2023 marks the third time that APPCU has awarded various individuals for their significant contributions and efforts in promoting friendship between China and the Philippines.
